Auramine

/ˈɔːr.ə.miːn/ noun

Definition

A yellow synthetic dye compound used in medical microscopy and staining, especially for tuberculosis detection and fluorescence applications.

Etymology

Variant of 'auramin' with different chemical nomenclature; from 'aur-' (relating to gold or aureate color) plus '-amine' (from ammonia and organic chemistry nomenclature).

Kelly Says

Auramine-O, a variant of this dye, is gold-standard for detecting tuberculosis bacteria because the bacilli fluoresce brilliantly under UV light—a compound named for its color that became famous for saving lives.

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